Thank you, Mr. Chair.
I do understand the question being raised by my colleague. However, it's not the first time we've received witnesses who are indirectly connected to issues in order to give us a better understanding of them. Welcoming witnesses to speak to us about pay equity in the provincial systems will give us a better understanding of the system, and of programs linked to the federal government.
Witnesses are people who come to inform us of the situation they are in, but do not necessarily make recommendations that are directly applicable to federal organizations. Testimony is a consultation tool to enhance what we know so that we can make better decisions pertaining to programs involving the federal government.
In this instance, We can feel better about ourselves through comparison with others, and its by seeing what is done elsewhere, whether positive or not, that we can make better decisions. However, if we decide today not to look elsewhere, we will make it impossible to be better in our field of expertise.
I'd like to thank my colleague, who has agreed that the committee should look into the studies proposed in the two motions. However, the second motion is broad enough to allow the invitation of witnesses who are directly linked to the federal government, if desired. However, the motion would also allow the NDP, the Conservatives and the Liberals to invite other witnesses to assist us in understanding the overall situation.
We should therefore proceed with the motion as proposed by Ms. Bradford.